Mexican Chicken Legs

Bring bold, zesty flavors to your table with these irresistible Mexican Chicken Legs, a perfect combination of spice and sweetness. Marinated in a vibrant blend of lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic, and honey, these juicy chicken legs are roasted to golden perfection, delivering tender, flavorful bites every time. Quick to prepare and easy to cook, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve them hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and bright lime wedges to enhance the tangy and smoky notes. With just 15 minutes of prep time, these oven-roasted chicken legs are a convenient and satisfying way to enjoy authentic Mexican-inspired flavors in your own kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces Chicken legs
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Lime juice
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1.5 teaspoons Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1 whole Lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and honey. Stir well to create a marinade.

Step 3

Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel, then add them to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the chicken legs until they are evenly coated in the mixture.

Step 4

Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. For deeper flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

Step 5

Arrange the marinated chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Step 6

Roast the chicken legs in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Step 7

Halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken legs to ensure even browning.

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1121.4 grams (1121.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1766

Total Fat 121.70g	156%
Saturated Fat 28.60g	143%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 680mg	227%
Sodium 3105mg	135%
Total Carbohydrate 38.60g	14%
Dietary Fiber 5.80g	21%
Total Sugars 20.10g
Protein 127.80g	256%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 150mg	12%
Iron 11mg	62%
Potassium 1697mg	36%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.2%

Protein: 29.0%

Carbs: 8.8%